YARMOUTH, Maine - DeLorme, a long-time leader in affordable GIS innovation, today announced the release of Public Land Survey System (PLSS) data for use in all current versions of XMap, their GIS software. These free downloadable Openspace GIS layers display township, range, and section boundaries for each of the 30 states covered by the PLSS. Derived from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, and state GIS agencies, the data has been processed into a consistent and easy-to-use format.

“DeLorme is committed to offering inexpensive software and data solutions that open the world of professional grade mapping and GIS to as wide an audience as possible,” said Geoffrey Ives, Director of Professional Sales at DeLorme. “We are pleased to be able to offer the PLSS data at no cost for XMap users.”

Ives went on to say that offering the PLSS data as a GIS layer for XMap provides easy access to the data for DeLorme’s professional customers. “XMap users can simply drag and drop the downloaded file on the map and they will see labeled section boundaries overlaying any base map, aerial image, or GIS layer that they are currently viewing.”

Each PLSS layer includes a prebuilt query that allows the XMap user to quickly locate a township, range, and section within the state. Users of the GIS Editor and GIS Enterprise versions of XMap can build additional attribute or spatial queries, modify the appearance of the grid, or create new Openspace layers covering selected regions within a state.

For more information about the PLSS data for XMap or to download the data visit xmap.com/plss

About the PLSS
The Public Land Survey System is a method for describing the land and for cataloging parcel ownership in the U.S. Early surveyors divided the land into a fairly uniform grid based on an established Principal Meridian and baseline within each state or area. Division and subdivision of this grid resulted in the designation of 36-square mile townships, identified by a township number and direction indicator (N or S) relative to the baseline, and range number and direction indicator (E or W) relative to the Principal Meridian. Townships were usually divided into 36 one-square mile sections that were assigned a sequential number value.

About DeLorme
Located in Yarmouth, Maine, DeLorme is the longtime leader in innovative mapping and GPS solutions for both consumer and professional markets. DeLorme digital products are rooted in the XMap development platform, which is scalable for future growth and endorsed by millions of dedicated digital mapping software users worldwide. The DeLorme business model transforms innovative technologies into affordable and easy-to-use navigation and mapping products supporting users in the Wind Energy, Oil and Gas Transmission, Surveying, Municipal, Public Safety, and Insurance markets. For more information, visit www.xmap.com.